Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)
WIDEN Migration Experts — helping skilled workers achieve permanent residence through employer nomination in regional Australia.
Overview
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187) visa is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an approved employer in a regional area of Australia. It is part of Australia’s employer-sponsored visa program and allows the applicant (and family) to live and work permanently in a regional location.
Streams of Subclass 187
There are three streams under this visa: each has its own requirements and pathways.
- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream — for skilled workers who already hold, or held, a temporary visa (such as Subclass 457 or Subclass 482) and have worked for their nominating employer in the nominated occupation for at least two years.
- Direct Entry Stream — for applicants nominated by an employer but who do not meet the requirements of the TRT stream. This includes people outside Australia or those who have not held the temporary visa for the required period.
- Agreement Stream — for applicants nominated by an employer under a labour agreement with the Australian Government.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Subclass 187, you typically need to meet the following:
- Be nominated by an approved Australian employer operating in a designated regional area.
- Have the skills, qualifications and work experience required for the nominated occupation, including any required registration or license.
- Meet English language requirements (competent English or higher) unless exempted.
- Be under the age limit (usually under 45 years for Direct Entry; under 50 for TRT, though exemptions may apply).
- Satisfy health and character checks.
- For the Temporary Residence Transition stream: held the specified temporary visa and worked full-time in the nominated position with the nominating employer for the required period (e.g. 2 years).
Employer Nomination Requirements
To nominate you for the Subclass 187 visa, your employer must:
- Be lawfully operating in regional Australia.
- Need a skilled worker to fill a full-time and ongoing position that is available for at least two years.
- Offer terms and conditions of employment comparable to what an Australian citizen/permanent resident would receive in that role.
- Comply with Australian immigration and workplace laws.
Benefits of Subclass 187 Visa
- Permanently live and work in regional Australia.
- Full access to social services, study and work rights.
- Access to Medicare.
- Opportunity to sponsor family members for permanent residency.
- Pathway to Australian citizenship when eligible.
- Travel to and from Australia for five years under the travel facility after visa grant.
Application Process
- Employer nomination — Your employer submits the nomination for you in a regional area.
- Check stream eligibility — Determine whether you qualify under TRT, Direct Entry, or Agreement stream.
- Gather required documents — Proof of employment, qualifications, English, identity, health and character.
- Lodge visa application — Submit your visa application through ImmiAccount with complete documentation.
- Wait for decision — Visa outcomes depend on eligibility, documentation completeness, and Department processing times.
How Widen Migration Experts can help you with Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)?
The RSMS 187 visa process involves employer nomination, satisfying stream-specific requirements, and careful documentation. WIDEN Migration Experts provide dedicated support to guide you through:
- Assessing which stream (TRT, Direct Entry, or Agreement) is right for you.
- Ensuring your employer nomination meets regional, legal, and operational requirements.
- Helping you fulfil the skills, qualification, and licensing standards for your occupation.
- Support in English language evidence, health and character checks.
- Preparing and reviewing your application to avoid issues or delays.
- Guidance on post-visa obligations and transitioning to long-term life in regional Australia.
Contact WIDEN Migration Experts for a personalized consultation to plan your pathway under Subclass 187 visa.